We Didn’t Know

 by Alexandria Lacayo
 
The rake rakes amid the strain of the back
metal fingers searching aimlessly, exposing.
Splinters spawn secretly beneath as payback
from the spent earth for disturbing the process.
 
We didn't know the disaster we'd cause
and the disaster we caused didn't know
 
A rustling ramble stirs crimson and coral
atop neglected bronze blades, crippled by men. 
Busy birds above prepare, choral, quarrel
while tree-dwellers dig diligently, nesting. 
 
Searching for a nut in the same place
A nut in the same place for searching
 
The rake rakes, resenting its behavior
seizing the former tree canopy's remains,
hoarding them in his teeth, a gesture, favor
to the world where he once belonged, free, complete.
 
Metal limbs telling me I'm trapped by you
Trapped by metal limbs, I'm you, telling me
 
The Hunter's Moon soon turns his head, peeking through
clouds, nimbostratus, busy, and opaque.  
His lullaby quells the thoughts turning askew
as frost blankets the earth, slumber commences. 
 
We didn't know the disaster we'd cause
and the disaster we caused didn't know.